On March 28, 1992, a Cessna A185F (registration N3332S) operated by R & M Consultants, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Fairbanks, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: POOR IN FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION. FACTORS TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: SNOW COVERED TERRAIN, AND WRONG RUNWAY NOT IDENTIFIED. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot unfamiliar with the area misidentified the runway and landed on a frozen floatplane canal parallel to the runway. The landing gear sank into soft snow, causing the airplane to nose over.
Incident Overview
A pilot reported that he was unfamiliar with the area and the landing strip. During the approach, he overflew the runway and misidentified the runway for a taxiway or road located near the aircraft parking ramp. As a result, instead of landing on the runway, the pilot landed the airplane on the frozen airstrip float plane canal that runs parallel to the runway.
Landing Sequence
The pilot touched down on the frozen canal. During the landing roll, the landing gear contacted soft snow on the surface. The gear subsequently sank into the soft snow, causing the airplane to nose over. The aircraft came to rest in an inverted position on the canal.
Aftermath
No further details were provided in the report. The pilot's account indicated that the misidentification occurred due to unfamiliarity with the area.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 28 Mar 1992 Cessna A185F accident near Fairbanks, AK?
A pilot unfamiliar with the area misidentified the runway and landed on a frozen floatplane canal parallel to the runway. The landing gear sank into soft snow, causing the airplane to nose over.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 28 Mar 1992 involved a Cessna A185F, registration N3332S, operated by R & M Consultants, Inc., at Fairbanks, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
POOR IN FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION. FACTORS TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: SNOW COVERED TERRAIN, AND WRONG RUNWAY NOT IDENTIFIED.
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